Alexander Schotthöfer

Alexander Schotthöfer is a PhD candidate and Tutor at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science, specializing in the intersection of leadership psychology and security policy. His research examines how individual leaders shape securitization processes through discursive choices and psychological frameworks.

His academic trajectory includes:

• PhD in Politics (2020-present) at the University of Edinburgh, researching "Individuals in Securitization: An Investigation into Leaders’ Attitudes toward Iraq and North Korea"
• MIS in International Cooperation (2017-2019) at Seoul National University, analyzing Bush's securitization of Iraq
• BA in Korean Studies and Scandinavian Studies (2011-2016) at the University of Tübingen, studying US policy shifts on North Korea

Schotthöfer's scholarly focus integrates Foreign Policy Analysis with Political Psychology to dissect leadership behaviors in high-stakes security contexts. He pioneers applications of Operational Code Analysis and Leadership Trait frameworks to understand presidential decision-making in the Iraq War and Korean Peninsula crises, revealing how cognitive patterns drive threat construction. His work bridges theoretical securitization models with empirical leader profiling.

His publications demonstrate a consistent analytical thread examining US presidents' (de)securitization choices through psychological and constructivist lenses. The research identifies recurring patterns where leadership traits interact with institutional contexts to shape security narratives, particularly regarding North Korea and post-9/11 Iraq policy.

His scholarly recognition includes:

• Alexander George Award (2024) for leadership analysis
• Distinguished Thesis Award (2019) for Iraq threat construction research
• GSIS Honors Award (2019) from Seoul National University
• SNU Global Scholarship (2017-2018) for international studies
• Korean Language Excellence Award (2015)

As an educator, Schotthöfer designs and delivers advanced coursework in global security and research methodology while co-convening the Foreign Policy Research Group. His academic service extends to organizing international conference panels that bridge securitization theory and foreign policy analysis.

He actively cultivates scholarly exchange through the Foreign Policy Research Group, hosting events like the 2022 Foreign Policy Analysis Conference and developing collaborative frameworks for leadership studies in international relations.